Can I Get Compensation for a Gunshot Wound?

You hear it on the news all the time in Jersey City. Another victim of gun violence on our city streets. According to a recent article in the Jersey Journal, although there were fewer homicides in 2016, nonfatal shootings rose from 69 incidents in 2015 to 80 incidents in 2016. These numbers don’t include any reports of shots fired or shootings without injury.

Gunshot wounds can happen to anyone at any time. And they don’t always involve a criminal element. According to a recent article in Mother Jones, every time a gun is used in self-defense in a home, there are more assaults, suicide attempts, and accidents that involve that gun in and around the home. It’s a scary thought.

So what happens if you are a victim of gun violence? For instance, let’s say you’ve had one too many drinks at a bar and get into a discussion with one the patrons. The argument quickly goes from an argument to a shouting match. You’re pretty sure things are getting out of hand and try to back away from the situation. But before you can escape the fight, the other patron pulls out a gun and shoots you in the leg. It’s going to take months for you recover from the gunshot wound which means expensive medical bills. What to do?

Obviously, if you get shot by someone else, we’re talking about a criminal offense and the shooter will be facing some pretty tough charges. However, you can bring a personal injury lawsuit against that person to recover for the medical bills. But that’s not all. Since this incident happened at a local bar, you also have a premises liability case on your hands. Because the bar owners and employees failed to prevent the incident from occurring, you can bring a claim against the business.

As you can see, a gunshot wound case can be quite complex. You’re going to need an experienced attorney to help you with your case. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.

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